BURY man John Hammond's reputation in international horticultural circles is growing and growing!

For the rhododendron enthusiast has scooped a major prize at Scotland's Rhododendron Show for the second successive year.

John, of Cockey Moor Road, Starling, was awarded the "Best Hybrid in Show" title at the event held in Oban, Argyllshire.

He lifted the Scottish Rhododendron Cup with a truss of "Phyllis Korn," a North American hybrid with cream flowers, tinged primrose yellow and a currant-red blotch.

John said: "There was stiff competition for the award with 440 entries."

He also won the Keyline Cup for gaining the most points overall for a garden under one acre in size.

John has been propagating and growing rhododendrons for 30 years and is secretary and treasurer for the Scottish Rhododendron Society, a chapter of the American Rhododendron Society of which he is their director at large.

He has responsibility for chapters in Europe, India and Hawaii.

He added: "In 2001, I was awarded the silver medal of the American Rhododendron Society at their convention held in Eugene, Oregon, for support over many years at national level."